FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 28, 2001
Release # 02-049
Zapper Recall Hotline: (800) 767-9998 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058
CPSC, Manley Toy Direct Announce the Recall of Zapper Toys
WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), Manley Toy Direct, of Indianola, Iowa, is voluntarily
recalling about 15,800 Zapper toys. The balloon tongues and the
cylinders holding the tongues on these toys can detach, posing a choking
and aspiration hazard to young children.
The Promotional Resources Group of Companies Inc., of Topeka, Kan.,
previously recalled about 105,000 Bug Zapper toys on June 6, 2000. That
company received a report of a 3-year-old boy who inhaled a balloon
tongue that detached from a Zapper toy into his sinus cavity. He
required medical treatment to remove the part from his nose.
Additionally, eight firms recalled about 835,000 Zapper toys on March
19, 2001.
The vinyl Zapper toys are about 2- to 3-inches long, and come in the
shape of various animals including frogs, dinosaurs and snakes. When the
toy is squeezed, the balloon tongue attached to its mouth inflates or
rolls out. "CHINA" or "MADE IN CHINA" is molded into the toy.
Arcades, amusement parks and carnivals sold and distributed these toys
from January 2000 through August 2001. They were sold for about $1.
Consumers should immediately take these toys away from young children
and return the toy to the place of purchase for a refund, or throw them
away. For more information, contact Manley Toy Direct at (800) 767-9998
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday to Friday.